The Alaskan town of Utqiagvik witnessed its last sunrise for nearly three months on Sunday, 10 May. Time-lapse footage from the National Weather Service showed the sun setting at 1:48 AM AKDT and briefly reappearing at 2:57 AM. This fleeting moment marked the start of 84 days of uninterrupted daylight, officially opening the Arctic's midnight sun season.
What Happens Next?
The sun will not set again in Utqiagvik, the northernmost city in the United States, until 2 August. This annual phenomenon is caused by Earth's axial tilt, which draws the Northern Hemisphere closer to the sun during spring and summer, extending daylight hours across northern Alaska.
Understanding the Midnight Sun
Residents of Utqiagvik, formerly known as Barrow, are accustomed to these extreme light cycles. During the winter months, the town experiences polar night, with no sunrise for about 65 days. The transition from constant darkness to constant daylight is a dramatic shift that affects daily life, from sleep patterns to social activities.
The National Weather Service's time-lapse footage captured the brief reappearance of the sun, a reminder of the Earth's orbital mechanics. For the next 84 days, Utqiagvik will bask in continuous daylight, a phenomenon that draws tourists and scientists alike to witness the unique Arctic environment.
